As The Year Ends, Reflections As I Walk By A Creek

/ Ally Bean

Went for a walk. Standing on a bridge over the creek I saw the waterfall down the way.

Noticed the beautiful bare tree branches reflected in the creek’s still water near the bridge on which I stood.

So calm. So pretty.

Continued walking.  Found the waterfall where the water was flowing over it.

Enjoyed watching as the clear water moved forward, not so gracefully tumbling over the falls.

Loudly. With enthusiasm and purpose.

Found myself reflecting on perspective and change. On always moving forward, appreciating peacefulness, but never allowing oneself to become stagnant.

Decided that the message was for me to let last year’s concerns float away, never forgotten or marginalized, but utilized as starting points so that next year’s plans can coalesce.

And on that bit of self-awareness, I shall wander off into the real world where busy people and half-finished projects are waiting for me.

To do that which I do.

And as for The Spectacled Bean, well– don’t expect me back here until mid-January when winter is in full swing.  I’ve decided to go on a brief blogging hiatus, if the fates allow.

Happy Christmas & Merry New Year, everyone.

See ‘ya in 2018.

71 thoughts on “As The Year Ends, Reflections As I Walk By A Creek”

  2. I knew from the title that this was going to be the annual Christmas hiatus post. Have a nice break, and I’ll try not to post anything too poignant or thought provoking in your absence (That is a huge lie, of course)….

    Liked by 1 person

    • evilsquirrel13, you know me too well. I rather like taking a blogging break right about now when people are scattered hither & yon, and all I want to do is snooze, courtesy of long dark nights. Best of luck trying not to be poignant! We all need goals. 😀

      Like

  3. Best to you Ally Bean, as this year closes and we open the door to 2018! Enjoy your break 🙂 Oh… and thank you for sharing the glorious picture of the reflected trees. That’s one I could hang on my wall and stare at endlessly.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, the best to you, too. May your 2018 be wonderful. And I’m glad that you like the reflected tree photo, for once I captured the beauty of what I saw just as it was. No filters, no fussing around in photoshop!

      Like

  4. Love your reflections on life along with your beautiful photos. May Christmas be good to you this year and looking forward to your thoughts for next year.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. “let last year’s concerns float away, never forgotten or marginalized, but utilized as starting points so that next year’s plans can coalesce.”—Yes, perfectly said. Have a wonderful holiday break!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Have a great rest from the blogosphere, Ally. Will miss you of course but look forward to reading some gems next year. I’m getting ready to make my vision cards for next year to get my thoughts in order as it were. Love the picture of the waterfall. I can just hear it. Thanks for sharing all you do and have a marvelous Christmas with your loved ones!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I need a rest from blogging– and from many other things. I admire your ability to put together a vision board– that kind of visual reminder can be such a positive force. I thought the waterfall was cool, too. I had no idea what it’d look like, but when I got there it was perfect. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, I’m so glad that we made each other’s acquaintance. Blogging has opened my heart by allowing me to connect with people all over the world. It’s darned amazing– and I am grateful. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. A couple of hours before reading this, I was thinking of my end of year reflections. Now the image of your little river is stuck in my mind. I have no river to walk by near my house but I might take the hounds to the beach and have a good think there while they pretend to splash in the water. Have a wonderful holiday season and see you back in January. Really glad to have virtually met you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • camparigirl, there’s something about being near water that slows down my swirling thoughts, and allows me to just be in the moment. Beaches do just as well as creeks when it comes to reflection. I’ll enjoy reading whatever it is that you find yourself thinking after your walk with the hounds. Ditto about meeting each other. Happy to know you.

      Like

  24. I will miss your posts, but I’m always glad to see people take breaks. That’s rather selfish, you see. I don’t feel the need for a break yet, but when I do, I’ll remember the fantastic bloggists who could walk away from this addiction. I hope you have a marvelous time and come back, eager to interact with your followers. Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Anne, you’re too sweet. I like writing my blog, but I also know when I’m overwhelmed and tired. This time of year with the dark nights and the Christmas events wears me down; I’m an introvert. So instead of trying to write something and becoming frustrated, I often duck out of the blogosphere in December or thereabout. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. See you later, alligator. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  30. I’m late to this post because I’m traveling and spending time with friends and relatives. But I wanted to chime in and say have a great and restful blogging break… but be sure to come back. I always look forward to reading your posts. Best wishes for a tremendous 2018!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, thanks for taking the time to stop by to comment. I appreciate that. I hope that your Christmas Day was merry, and that you, too, have a tremendous 2018. After the horror of 2017 we all deserve a better year! 🥂

      Liked by 1 person

  31. I love your reflections. I have not had a moment to stop and reflect, which, now that I read your post, makes me realize I better hop to it if there’s any hope for me to start 2018 with a bang!

    Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, I often don’t reflect on one year until it’s well into the next one, so this post was unusual. Not like me to be ahead of the curve! Happy 2018 to you and yours.

      Like

Comments are closed.